The Rise of Container Tonnage and Port Developments in East Asia

Abstract

1990’s saw the robust expansion of international trade in East Asia generating a remarkable record high and sustained economic growth unmatched by any other region in the world. In line with this, container tonnage in the region has been ever increased annually.

In light of this, the governments in the main ports of the region have plunged substantial investment in expanding and developing new container terminals to cope with the ever increased cargoes out/to the region. Though Lehman Shock in 2008 has given a huge impact on the container volumes in Asia, ports in the East Asia are seen to continue to handle the lion’s share of global container business.

In 2013, the container throughput of East Asia accounted for 51.2 per cent out of that of the world, becoming the world container center.